A mattress isn't a spontaneous purchase — it shapes every night of your sleep for eight to ten years. Yet many people choose based on gut feeling or whatever's on display in the shop window. In reality, the decision comes down to a handful of clearly checkable criteria: firmness level, material, size, and build quality. This guide covers the questions that actually matter before you buy, what sets the common mattress types apart, and how to tell when it's time for a replacement.
Why it pays to take your time choosing a mattress
A mattress lasts eight to ten years on average, and longer with good care and quality construction. Over that span, you'll spend several thousand nights on this one product. If you reduce the decision to a quick test-lie in a shop or the lowest price tag, you often overlook exactly the criteria that later determine back pain, restless sleep, or a mattress that sags prematurely. Four points are worth checking concretely: firmness level, mattress type, size, and material construction.
Settle on a firmness level first
Firmness level — rated from H1 (very soft) to H5 (very firm) — determines how much a mattress gives under pressure. It depends primarily on body weight, but also on preferred sleep position: side sleepers usually need a softer setting so the shoulder and hip can sink in, while back sleepers with a heavier build often benefit from a firmer support zone. A blanket recommendation rarely works, since body weight, height, and personal feel all play a role. For a detailed way to work out the right value based on your weight, see our guide to firmness level by body weight.
Comparing mattress types
After firmness comes the question of construction. Cold foam adapts precisely to pressure points and is usually easier to handle. Pocket spring mattresses offer better air circulation through individually stitched springs and noticeably more edge stability. Latex is more elastic and springs back to its original shape faster, but it's heavier. Hybrid mattresses combine foam or latex layers with a spring core, blending the support characteristics of both construction types.
Choosing the right mattress size
Certain standard sizes have become established in Germany: 90×200 cm and 100×200 cm for single beds, 140×200 cm as the classic in-between size, and 160×200 cm and 180×200 cm for double beds. It's essential to match the mattress exactly to the slatted frame and bed frame. Even a difference of two to three centimeters can cause the mattress to shift sideways or sit unevenly in the frame. If you're planning a new bed, settle on the mattress size before choosing the bed frame, not the other way around.
Material and cover
The cover fabric determines feel and care requirements. The support function sits in the core. Removable, washable covers made of cotton or cotton blends are standard in the mid to upper price range and make cleaning considerably easier compared with permanently sewn covers. Also pay attention to the seam finishing along the edges: a continuous, clean binding is a simple, visible sign of careful craftsmanship.
Recognizing when it's time for a new mattress
Over time, a mattress's support function gradually declines. Typical signs are visible dips in the sleeping area, give that feels different from when it was new, or creaking noises in spring mattresses. If you're waking up with more tension than you used to, it's worth taking a critical look at the mattress's age. As a rough guide: foam mattresses tend to show wear somewhat sooner than quality spring constructions, because the material loses its resilience over time.
What to watch for when buying online
Mattresses rolled and boxed are now standard practice and don't affect quality: the material fully expands within a few hours to a few days. Before buying, check the exact dimensions, the stated firmness level, and whether a trial period is offered for testing the mattress at home; many online retailers allow several weeks for this. Also read the care instructions, particularly whether the cover is removable and machine washable. This information is usually available directly on the product page and should be fully clarified before ordering, not after.
Comparing mattress types
| Type | Characteristics | Typical firmness range | Especially suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold foam | Lightweight, point-elastic, adapts well to the body | H1–H4 | Side sleepers, people with lower to medium body weight |
| Pocket spring | Good ventilation through individually stitched springs, often firmer support | H2–H5 | Back sleepers, heavier people, those who prefer a firmer feel |
| Latex | High point elasticity, shape-stable, but heavier to handle | H2–H4 | Side and back sleepers who want even support |
| Hybrid (foam + springs) | Combines the adaptability of foam with the support of springs | H2–H4 | Couples with different preferences, undecided buyers |
Why Maison de Cocon
- In our Beds collection, the bed and mattress are presented as a coordinated whole, not as two separate purchase decisions.
- Firmness level, material, and dimensions for each mattress are listed directly on the product page, so you can decide without a prior test-lie.
- The sizes we offer follow the standard dimensions common in Germany, from 90×200 to 180×200 cm, so existing slatted frames can usually still be used.
- If you have questions about firmness or fit before buying, our customer service is available to help you individually.
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